NEWARK VALLEY - Not much time remains before the Cardinals' get their 2025 season underway as the baseball team is putting the final touches on preseason this week.

The varsity Cardinals' will be carrying 13 players this year and despite losing solid pieces like Ryan Rhodes and Will Craparo to graduation, Newark Valley has a good mix of veterans and newcomers coming into 2025.

Key returners include senior pitcher and shortstop, Josh Karp, as well as seniors Gabe Merrill at third base and Brandon Eynon behind the plate.

The newcomers that head coach Tim Pisarczyk expects to contribute this spring will be a trio of freshman, including Karmine Catalonia, Chase Purcell and outfielder Kenny Slater. Joining Slater in the outfield will also be newcomer Carter Smith.

Newark Valley baseball believes they will be competitive with anyone this year and has the goal of qualifying for sectionals in mind.

When asked about his thoughts going into the regular season and the team's goal for the year, coach Pisarczyk was pleased with the team's preseason prep so far and their chances for a berth in the postseason.

"Our goal for the year is to qualify for sectionals. The first week of practice has been productive and the boys have been working hard. We had a good turn out to open gyms during the off season by both newcomers and returning players and look forward to our first game vs. Whitney Point on Monday," said Pisarczyk.

As coach mentioned, the Cardinals open the spring against Whitney Point on March 31st.

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IN PHOTO #1 FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: Gabe Merrill and Josh Karp.